‘The closest to the brilliance, excitement and horror of the 1996 original masterpiece.’
A long-delayed sequel.
A long-delayed horror sequel.
A long-delayed horror sequel released in January.
A long-delayed horror sequel released in January with a same-as-the-original movie title.
You would be forgiven that the evidence was mounting up that 2022’s Scream might be the year’s first critical dud. However, you’d be wrong, if early word is to be believed.
First up, in case you didn’t know, the fifth entry in the Scream franchise arrives in Irish cinemas on Friday, 14 January. Check out the trailer right here:
The plot is still being kept pretty top secret, but it involves the central trio – Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, David Arquette – returning to the murderous fold when another Ghostface copycat killer starts violently offing victims that are somehow connected to the original movies.
Normally, you’d have to take early reactions with a pinch of salt, as the social reviews are coming from those who are usually just pretty hyped about getting to see a big, new movie earlier than anyone else.
However, the shared sentiment across pretty much of all of the reactions online are that (A) it is arguably the best entry since the original Scream, and (B) the writing is top-notch.
The Scream movies have been imbued with smart, self-aware scripting (even when the finished movies themselves didn’t match that quality), so for the script to be getting a special shout-out here is pretty impressive.
Here are just some of the early reactions that were posted ahead of the movie’s worldwide release next week:
#Scream is a bloody good time & serves as a touching homage/continuation to Wes Craven’s iconic franchise and features some of the gruesomest, most original killings of the series. Legacy cast perfectly blends with the fresh meat. Jasmin Savoy Brown is the MVP 🔪🔪 🩸 pic.twitter.com/AbCTYands1
— Nate Adams (@TheOnlyCritic) January 7, 2022
The new #Scream is a BLAST & my favorite since the original. There’s some sharp writing here – a nice balance of well-crafted scares & amusing commentary on modern horror. It also pokes a lot of fun at itself, too, while remaining a bloody whodunnit & a damn good time. I’m a fan! pic.twitter.com/QZiguvUIWo
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) January 7, 2022
I have seen the new #Scream and it’s a winner! Yes it’s bloody, but also feels loaded with love and reverence for the original and the fandom it amassed … and felt like it was talking to me (to a degree). pic.twitter.com/x1gDCM9MYH
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) January 7, 2022
The new #Scream is the real deal. Such a well written script that keeps you guessing and wades into the treacherous waters of fandom in 2022. ‘Scream’ fans are going to love it. pic.twitter.com/caf2SqG0so
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) January 7, 2022
The 5th SCREAM film is the closest I’ve felt to the brilliance, excitement & horror of Wes Craven’s 1996 masterpiece. Hands down, the best SCREAM since the original. Beautifully honors the legacy of the first film while bringing a fresh yet brutal new tone to the franchise.❤️🎥🎞 pic.twitter.com/9LaeiyqUlF
— Kevin McCarthy (@KevinMcCarthyTV) January 7, 2022
#Scream freakin' slays! It's a textbook example of how to revive and reinvigorate a franchise and do it in killer style. Brutal genius, it has the razor-sharp smarts of the finest entries in the series with a third act that absolutely nails it. Two thumbs way up! #ScreamMovie pic.twitter.com/ZMmCDUFUrj
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) January 7, 2022
Clip via Paramount Pictures UK
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